Faith has a love of the outdoors but doesn’t always get to enjoy them with her busy soccer and school schedule. This was a chance for her to be with other students with the same love of the outdoors. She was a little nervous as she knew she was the youngest student on the trip by far, and she was going alone. Once she arrived, she very quickly made friends, and the group became very tight. The instructors were amazing! They did a great job integrating the group and were great role models for Faith and all the students. They learned valuable skills in life, whether it was outdoor wilderness or teamwork and leadership. Faith returned from her trip taller in every way. Her confidence in herself had grown as she conquered some fears and learned how strong she actually was. She also made 16 new friends that are keeping in touch with each other until their next trip. I can’t thank AT enough; it was definitely an incredible experience for our daughter, and we are extremely grateful.

Upon returning home, our son’s first words were, “I had a blast.” The first day of the first hike exhausted him and made him wonder whether he was in over his head, and he’s a fit kid who likes the outdoors. But he learned how to adjust his pack more effectively, accepted that others were also struggling, and saw that he could do more than he realized. That set the tone. The kids were different from his friends at home—they didn’t seem as “cool” to him at first—but that radically changed, too, and I think he made lifelong friends. He was impressed that there was no hierarchy, which was such a dominant force in his middle school. He bonded with the group and understood the importance of positive change through “deltas.” He liked the fact that everything was level. All the kids faced the same challenges, had the same gear, and were the same age. He had a great time with the instructors, too, especially since a few of them apparently had a great time with him. Aidan grew up on the trip. He came home calm, focused, happy, and thoughtful, and talking about which Adventure Treks trip he wants to do next year.

Ezra had an amazing adventure. He was challenged physically, pushed himself, and felt great about his accomplishments. He came back with story after story about friends, wildlife sightings, leaders he loved and admired, and the adventure of it all. One of the first things he started talking about was the trip he wanted to go on next summer and the new friends he hoped to go with.

Sara definitely had a grand time in Colorado! As soon as she came off the plane, she talked non-stop about how wonderful the trip was. She loved experiencing the beauty of the great outdoors as she hiked, rafted, rock climbed, and canoed over several weeks. She learned she was more capable than what she thought, and she was able to really push herself and not be so afraid to take on the adventures. I was so happy she returned home in one piece, but more than that she came home feeling so accomplished! She and her new Adventure Treks friends have already planned the BC trip next summer. We have two other young children (8 and 5 years old), and it can be challenging to have exciting vacations for my older daughter. I want to thank Adventure Treks for providing her a safe and healthy way to explore and be close to nature!

Adventure Treks was an incredible opportunity for Alon to challenge himself, develop confidence, establish new friendships, and enjoy new experiences. He said the community was amazing. The best part of his trip was making new friends.

The first thing Max said to me in the car as we left the airport was, “Mom, I have grown as a person.” Even he realized how transformative the experience was for him.

Seth said it was the best outdoor experience he has had and would love to come back again next summer. He made some wonderful friends and still keeps up with them on Instagram.

In Jordan’s own words, he had an “AMAZING” time. The community on his trip surpassed his expectations.

I always recommend Adventure Treks to other parents. There is no other camp or activity or sports team or anything where Liam could have gotten everything out of what he got this summer in just three weeks with AT. It is 1,000 percent worth every penny. I asked him if he made any special best friends during his trip in Colorado and he said, “No, they were all my best friends.” I think that sums up what a good community that was. He has definitely matured since going to AT. He came back walking a little taller if you know what I mean!